Tuesday, May 13, 2014

It’s finals season once again…our favorite (not!). Between the tons of group projects and research papers, you also have to start studying for those huge exams. Summer seems so close, yet so, so far away. Everyone is familiar with the long study sessions spent at the library or locked away in your room where it just feels endless. Have no fear, we’ve compiled a list of some essentials to keep you on-track, focused, and efficient!

Water, water, water

Whatever you do, do not dehydrate your system with soda or energy drinks. Hydrate your system and notice elevated energy and heightened focus.

Self-control apps

If you have a Mac, you can use SelfControl to block out certain websites while you are studying. There are other applications similar for PCs and mobile phones as well!

Healthy snacks

Don’t stock up on junk food for finals (even though we know, it’s tempting!). Put some carrot sticks and ranch dressing in a Tupperware or grab an apple the next time you’re running out the door for a study session. Sometimes you need to munch on something to keep yourself focused and awake, so you might as well make it a healthy snack!

Good tunes

While songs with familiar lyrics or even words in general can be distracting, there are tons of amazing playlists with instrumental music that can help you stay on-track. Check out 8tracks.com for hundreds of instrumental playlists tailored specifically for studying.

A study buddy

Sometimes studying with a friend can be extremely distracting, so you have to have an understanding that you’re both there to get down to business. Try explaining a concept you’re learning to them or have them quiz you on important concepts. Saying things out loud will help you process better and having a determined buddy will hold you accountable when you start to slack off.

Even if you’re pulling an all-nighter (although we advise not to do that), be sure to take frequent breaks. For every thirty minutes you work uninterrupted, you should take a 5-10 minute break. Resting your mind will allow you to get back to work re-focused and energized.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

The famous quote by J.R.R. Tolkien reads, “Not all those who
wander are lost.” We travel to explore, to experience, and to feel what others
across the world are feeling. Many of us travel to find ourselves. Therefore,
it makes sense for us to travel while we are young, before we have definite
opinions on the world and on ourselves. So many people have told me that their
best decision was to study abroad, and their biggest regret was not doing so.
But if you don’t have a whole semester to dedicate to such a mission, why not
take a couple months to do so? As a graduation present to myself, I am
backpacking through Europe with a few of my Gamma Phi Beta sisters, and have
found that preparation for it can be quite the handful! Here are some tips and
tools to help the young traveler prepare for their journey!

Travel Websites

Travel websites are a great place to begin
planning your trip! Statravel.com is one
such website. STA offers everything from discounted rates on flights, to travel
insurance. They also have pre-planned trips and access to a student passport,
which can help when you are abroad. Another great site to look at is
efcollegetrips.com. EF offers a section of the website in which you can select
a city and view that city’s profile. This includes guides to the weather,
sites, food, nightlife, etc. It’s important to look at the reviews of hostels
and hotels to make sure they are safe enough to stay at.

The "Rail"

Rails services such as Eurail,
BritRail, and Japan Rail are a great way to backpack! Rather than taking
unknown busses and flights, you are able to pre-plan your trip. You can see the
departure dates and times, and have the option of paying for just a certain
number of travel days or an unlimited number of days during a specific frame of
time. Not to mention you can feel safe knowing you will be riding along other
student travelers as well.

Travel Light!

When backpacking make sure to only take the
essentials, this will keep you from having a heavier load than necessary. On
top of this, it is easier to have items stolen if you can’t keep track of them
all. Many people suggest also keeping valuables and cash in a hidden place. A
great way for women to keep their cash safe is by creating a money pocket in
your bras – there’s no way a pick-pocketer is getting in there! Another helpful
hint is to stuff your shoes. By placing smaller clothing, such as undergarments
or socks, in your shoes, you will be saving space in your backpack or luggage.

Travel with a Friend!

The best way to ensure you are
staying safe is to have a companion. Travel with someone you trust and know
will be responsible. Sorority sisters can make the best travel companions!

Wherever you may go, make the best of your experience! See the world, take risks, and be open to all different cultures. You never know what you will learn about the world. Happy travels!